Located within the Tuckasegee River, at the mouth of historic Deep Creek, which flows from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

[2] The Island Park was long accessible by a swinging, wooden footbridge across the Tuckasegee River from the center of the Bryson City business district.

[2] Bryson City Island Park is a destination for fresh water anglers, picnickers, kayakers, tourists, hikers, commercial rafting companies, bird watchers, and nature enthusiasts.

The official bird of the state of North Carolina, the Cardinal, nests on the island during certain parts of the year.

It may build an outdoor amphitheater on the island, to add to the park as a "beautiful, natural focal point in the heart of Bryson City.